New Delhi: Reacting to the backlash against Muslim traders as they were banned from doing business in temple festivals after pressure from Hindutva groups, the two Bharatiya Janata Party legislators in Karnataka have raised their voice against the move and have called in undemocratic and madness.
Following the announcement of BJP government in Karnataka that “non-Hindus are not allowed to do business in and around temple premises”, member of Legislative Council Adagur H. Vishwanath and Member of Legislative Assembly Anil Benake have criticised the move.
Calling restrictions on Muslim traders “madness”, Vishwanath stressed, “No God or religion preaches these kinds of things. Religions are inclusive and not exclusive.” Indian Express has reported.
Rebutting religion-based discrimination, Vishwanath also expressed disappointment with the state government remaining silent on the issue, claiming that this move is “undemocratic”.
Another BJP leader Anil Benake, an MLA from Muslim-majority Belagavi North constituency also spoke out against the ban on Muslim traders.
Declaring that he was not in favour of or would not allow these restrictions to be imposed, Benake is quoted to have said “It is wrong to say that people should purchase only in some stores and not in other stores. Under the constitution, everybody has equal rights.”
Citing provisions of the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (HCRE) Act, 2002, Karnataka law minister J.C. Madhusway told the state assembly that non-Hindus are not allowed to do business in and around the premises of Hindu temples.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders raised the issue and urged the government to step in. They blamed the people putting up the posters for trying to divide the community along religious lines.
